October 18, 2022
MCA Alberta representatives attend MCAC AGM in Halifax

 
MCA AB President Terry O’Flaherty (MCAC Director), Vice President Mike Loughlin, Past President Mark Schendel (MCAC Director), and Executive Director Russ Evans attended the MCAC AGM and annual Convention in Halifax at the end of September.
On his return, O’Flaherty commented, “The interactions with colleagues from across the country are very important. Not only are we able to seek solutions to our provincial concerns but we also learn about issues impacting members in other regions that could be coming our way.”
The Federal Government’s focus on reducing the carbon footprint of Canada’s vertical infrastructure is one of these issues. Vancouver is leading this drive while the rest of the country watches closely. The goals are very ambitious and will require significant participation from the mechanical sector. While this is a new opportunity for the sector, there are obstacles that need to be addressed. The shortage of available skilled labour and supply chain issues are top of mind.
MCA Canada is addressing these issues with government. An article in the Daily Commercial New by MCAC COO, Ken Lancastle provides a good overview of the situation.
Legends of the Pipes Invite Coming Soon!

Join MCA at the beautiful Fairmont Palliser where we will honor the “Legends of the Pipes” that have given so much to our industry.

Bring your significant other or company Christmas parties encouraged- Book your table today!
Agenda
  • Private reception for Legends
  • Cocktails: 5:30 pm
  • Dinner: 7 pm
  • Entertainment: 9 pm

Fairmont hotel rooms will be discounted to $149.00 book your room here  https://book.passkey.com/go/MCAHolidayParty
 
MCA Preferred Insurance Provider
 
MCA Alberta is pleased to reconnect with Aon Insurance Brokers as the MCA Preferred Insurance Provider. 



Attached is the flat sheet for Aon's offerings for group Home & Auto.

Information will follow on a Risk Control & Loss Prevention Program currently being developed.

Robert S. Joseph
Suite 1450 The Phipps McKinnon Building
10020 – 101A Ave
Edmonton, AB
T5J 3G2
780-439-7171
 
Congratulations Tower Mechanical
 
Tower Mechanical were the winners of this Hilti Drill set after they were entered into a new members draw in September.

Welcome to the family!


A big thank you to Hilti for the prize donation!
Need Apprentices? Access $20K in grants!

Are you a small or medium-sized business in need of apprentices to help build your future workforce?

The Canadian Apprenticeship Service is offering up to $20,000* in help right now. In addition to the financial incentives, you’ll also receive:
·        free access to employer-apprentice matching services;
·        free access to mentorship programs; and
·        free access to diversity and inclusion training.

Find out more or apply here
Heat pump training program

The Heat Pump Advantage: Leverage Net Zero Goals to Drive Your Business
Nov. 17, 3:30 p.m., with renowned expert Gord Cooke (approximately 2 hours)
Register here (pay only $24.50 when you use promo code HPCalgary)

The first part of the program is a self-guided foundational course you’ll complete online.
It'll take one to two hours to complete. HRAI says that together, the two parts will prepare registrants to:

  • identify opportunities to improve energy performance in homes
  • talk to employees and customers about adopting new HVAC technologies, such as heat pumps
  • improve their bottom line by successfully positioning heat pumps as a better solution to home comfort

More details are available on the HRAI website.

CAREERS Skilled Trade Fairs

They are bringing back the in-person CAREERS Skilled Trade Fairs, in partnership with the Calgary school divisions to host three events in the city at participating high schools.

We know that the piping trades have to be represented to high school students by high caliber companies. MCA represents the best!

Please register here as soon as possible to confirm booth and attendance. Flyer details here

ATCO - Hydrogen Information for Gasfitters.

Project Overview Starting in late 2022, ATCO will be injecting 5% hydrogen into a portion of Fort Saskatchewan’s natural gas distribution system. About 2,100 customers will be the first in Alberta to use hydrogen blended natural gas. With its ability to provide energy without carbon, hydrogen presents an exciting opportunity for ATCO, Alberta, and the world, and is becoming central to decarbonization plans around the globe. Blending hydrogen into natural gas networks is safe and already happening in places like Europe, Hawaii and Hong Kong.

Read full information sheet here and watch video below
Employment Standards Webinars

  • Employment Standards webinars (including live Q&As) are scheduled for the following topics:Overview of Employment Standards in Alberta: Tuesday, October 25, 2022 at 10:30 a.m.
  • Employment Standards in Alberta – Wages and Overtime: Wednesday, November 9, 2022 at 10:30 a.m.
  • Employment Standards in Alberta- Administration and Enforcement: Tuesday, November 22, 2022 at 1:30 p.m.

For more information, or to register for one of the sessions, please visit alberta.ca/employment-standards-webinars.aspx.

Know the Laws of JHSC Training Rules

Now is a good time for OHS coordinators to audit whether they comply with JHSC training rules specific to their jurisdiction. Training rules vary across the country.
In Alberta JHSC training must be certified via documentation indicating that the member successfully completed the training and listing the dates. Workers who serve on JHSCs (or as health and safety representatives) must get training and instruction to perform their roles and responsibilities as a JHSC member or safety rep.

Such training, which is mandatory in 11 jurisdictions typically addresses:

  • The jurisdiction’s OHS Act and regulations;
  • The JHSC’s functions and duties;
  • Preparation to perform hazard assessment and control, workplace inspections and investigations, work refusals and other JHSC functions;
  • The rights and responsibilities of JHSC members;
  • JHSC procedures and meetings
  • JHSC recommendations. 
LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
Upgrade your knowledge and skills by engaging in live webinars, self-paced online learning and virtual Instructor-led training.

Virtual Instructor Led Training (live)

October 20: Field Productivity. Register now
October 25-27: Project Delivery Methods. Register now
October 25: Construction Estimating. Register here
October 26: Field Scheduling. Register now

November 1: Managing Change in Construction. Register here
November 1-3: Proposal Pursuit" Strategies for Success". Register now
November 4: CCA Subcontracts 101. Register here
November 8: Managing Shop Drawings. Register now

Product Technical Training In person

October 19: Calgary Pumps. SOLD OUT
November 24: Edmonton Pumps. Save the date

Resource page for Service Technicians.

When your techs have down time or want to learn in between service calls send them to this site. They can search by product type, resource type or by manufacture. Find calculators, checklists, training videos, trouble shooting, code books and more.

Find all resources here
Full Funnel Freedom is for sales executives, directors and managers who know they want to improve the capabilities of their sales teams to generate more leads and income with ease.

In this episode, we will talk about how we can make our interviews much more effective and weed out bad-fit candidates. In the current economic landscape, there is no shortage of candidates for just about any sales position, which is why most sales leaders assume they can seamlessly find the best candidate for the job in no time. However, it's rarely that simple. There is always the possibility that you might end up hiring the wrong person.

Episode #12:

What You'll Learn:
- How to find and hire the best sales candidate
- How to check for compatibility in a candidate 
- The red flags you should be on the lookout for
- The financial implications of a bad hire
- Why you need to keep your phone interviews short
- How to verify a candidate's past performance
- How to build a structured hiring process 
- Manage excitement and anxiety during the hiring process
Click here to listen to episode
Converting onetime buyers into lifelong customers
Congratulations – you just made a sale! That’s the good news.
The bad news is a onetime sale is no guarantee that the customer will return. Nor will they necessarily refer you.

Fortunately as I share in this video, there are 4 simple, low-cost ways you and your team members can convert onetime buyers into lifelong customers. Plus, these same tips will help generate more referrals and positive reviews.



We understand that each client is unique, and take the time to understand needs, and then craft expert solutions. We pride ourselves on accuracy, speedy delivery, and incredible support…with a smile. Every product or service we recommend is vetted or audited throughout development. The end result is a solid, reliable product or service that has been tested prior to your consideration.  MCA members receive multiple discounts for COR, Safety & Quality Automation, Online training, and safety consultations.
Check out our Member Discount Programs
today! Click HERE
SAFETY TALKS

Do you need ideas for tool box meetings or bulletins? Here we will list different topics each month that you can take and use at your company.

Foot Protection
Safety footwear is designed to protect against foot hazards in the workplace, such as compression, puncture injuries and impact. Footwear should be chosen according to the hazards present at your workplace.

  • Replace footwear after sole penetration or an impact on the top or sides. Damage may not be apparent.
  • Your choice of footwear should always over protect, not under protect.
  • Buy the most expensive boots you can afford for the comfort. Your feet will thank you.
  • Lace up boots and tie laces securely (boots do not protect if they are a tripping hazard or falling off).
  • Use a protective boot dressing to help the boot last longer and provide greater water resistance (wet boots conduct current.
  • Choose a high cut boot to provide ankle support (fewer injuries).


Read & print full tool box meeting here

Provided by:

Nancy Tucker NCSO,
Phone: 403-605-1385
Lifelines of October 2022
Understanding Mental Health and Mental Illness



Homewood HealthTM EFAP is pleased to release the Life Lines article for “Understanding Mental Health and Mental Illness”.

Read the article here

Watch the video here


Many organizations offer initiatives to support workplace mental health - but often employees aren’t aware of them or feel uncomfortable seeking support. Learn how organizations can take proactive steps to help employees prioritize their mental health.

Read full article here
Free Member and Family Assistance Program (MFAP)

Did you know that if you are covered by MCA insurance you have free access to Member and Family Assistance Program (MFAP) With this program you have advice, counselling, “hot to” and coaching 24 hours a day, days a week by phone, internet or in person. All calls are confidential and private.

Please read more here and print off for your break rooms.
Employer Advice on the Biggest Legal Risks to Watch Out For

It is not easy to run a business. Besides ensuring your customers are satisfied, you must also make sure you are doing right by your employees. You need well-drafted policies and procedures for effective staff and health & safety management. You also must ensure that your business is operating in compliance with the law.

This blog discusses the biggest legal risks businesses could face and how to protect against them.

From accidents in the workplace to discrimination claims. Read full article here

Quiet quitting is described as a movement where employees that feel overworked and underpaid, particularly in the wake of the pandemic and amid the rising cost of living have simply lost their spark, and become fed up not only with conditions but the perceived return they get from going the extra mile for employers.
Quiet quitting can have a major impact on HR leaders beyond worrying about productivity levels; these disconnected employees may eventually end up quitting for real

Read this article for strategies that will help HR leaders get ahead of employee disengagement.
Overview of Upcoming Amendments to the Canada Labour Code and Canada Labour Standards Regulations

New amendments to the Canada Labour Code and Canada Labour Standards Regulations may be coming, with varying degrees of certainty.
There are several new amendments, either proposed or enacted, to the Canada Labour Code (the “Code”) and the supporting Canada Labour Standards Regulations (the “Regulations”). With federal labour and employment law undergoing such significant changes, we thought it would be helpful to briefly summarize the actual or potential impact on federal employers.

Read all details here